[rich]

Quick question. Why is it that the compound Chromium (II) Chloride and Chromium (III) Chloride both exist?

If Chromium (element 24) has 6 valence electrons and Chlorine has 7 out of 8 valence electrons, why wouldn't the most typical compound look like Chromium (VI) Chloride, where the Chromium drops down a rung and gives its 6 outer electrons to fill in the missing electron for 6 Chlorine atoms?

Thanks!

[Borek]

Cr is a transition element, they don't follow such easy rules.